asked the Minister for Justice if he will state what steps, if any, were taken by the Gárda Síochána to prevent organised hooliganism by a crowd of 200 persons who attempted to break up a procession and meeting held by the Fine Gael Party at Ballina on Sunday, July 1st.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballina Procession and Meeting.
Dr. Ryan
I am satisfied that all possible steps were taken by the Gárda Síochána for the maintenance of order on the occasion referred to in the question.
In addition to higher officers a force of 250 police was on duty in the town. Whatever disorder did occur, in spite of the police preparations, is to be attributed mainly to the provocative tactics of the force of over 700 Blueshirts who were brought to the meeting by special trains.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, does he controvert any part of the statement which I made in this house yesterday as to the occurrences that took place in Ballina? Does the Minister suggest that the pouring of tar on the floor of a hall which was prepared for a dance, the destruction of band instruments, and the destruction of the decorations in that hall are due to any action of the members of the League of Youth? Does the Minister further suggest that the assembly of a mob outside Deputy Davis's house and the attack upon his friend when he went to take his car from the garage in the presence of the Guards, was due to the provocative conduct of the members of the League of Youth; and, if the Minister does not suggest these things, how can he stand over the answer that he has just made to the question that I put to him?
Dr. Ryan
I think, a Chinn Comhairle, that the Deputy is now putting several more questions.
May I submit that it is not at all reasonable courtesy to this House that when grave questions of this character are set upon the Order Paper, with full notice, that the Minister for Justice should absent himself and instruct a colleague to answer on his behalf who knows nothing, and cares less, about the events referred to in my question?